Smart Home Starter Kit

Pick ONE ecosystem

• Amazon Alexa — most affordable, biggest selection.
• Google Home — best AI, integrates with Pixel/Android.
• Apple HomeKit — privacy-first, locked to Apple.
• Pick early. Don't mix.

Week 1 — voice assistant

1. Buy Echo Dot ($35) or Nest Mini ($35).
2. Plug in. Open the app on phone.
3. Connect to wifi.
4. Say "Alexa, what time is it?" — first command.
5. Practice 1 week — weather, timers, music, calls.

Week 2 — smart lights

• Buy 1-2 smart bulbs ($10-15 each — Kasa, Wyze).
• Or 2 smart plugs ($10) for existing lamps.
• Set up: "Alexa, turn on lamp."
• Routine: "Alexa, good morning" → lights on, news, weather.
• Add motion sensor → bathroom light at night.

Week 3 — security

• Smart doorbell — Ring or Nest ($100-180).
• Or smart lock — Schlage Encode ($200) or August.
• See who's at door. Talk to delivery.
• Lock from phone if you forgot.

Week 4 — comfort

• Smart thermostat — Nest or Ecobee ($130-250).
• "Alexa, set thermostat to 72."
• Auto-adjust when away/home.
• Save 10-15% on energy bills typically.

Best routines for seniors

• "Good morning" → lights, weather, news.
• "Goodnight" → all off, lock doors, thermostat down.
• "I'm leaving" → away mode, security on.
• "I'm home" → lights, climate, calm music.
• "Find my phone" → ring lost phone.
• "Call my daughter" → drop-in video call.